Beyond the Visible: Crafting Inclusive WordPress Events for Those with Invisible Illnesses and Chronic Disabilities

Embark on a journey with Birgit Olzem, a distinguished WordPress advocate and a beacon in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as she navigates the intricate landscape of invisible illnesses and chronic disabilities within the WordPress community. Birgit, a former co-organizer of WordCamp Europe (in 2018 and 2019) and co-lead for WordCamp Germany, brings a tri-fold perspective to the table – that of an attendee, volunteer, and organizer with a chronic illness.

In this enlightening session, she will dissect the complexities of creating genuinely inclusive and accessible WordPress events, especially for those grappling with invisible conditions such as ME/CFS, Long-COVID, CPTSD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. Birgit will share effective strategies, from the early planning stages to the actual execution of the event, demonstrating the transformative potential of inclusivity measures.

Attendees will gain rare insights into the unseen challenges faced by many within our community and learn how intentional and conscious actions can create a more welcoming environment for everyone. This talk is an essential session for those committed to nurturing a more inclusive and understanding WordPress community.

Transcript

1. Beyond the Visible: Crafting Inclusive WordPress Events for Those with Invisible Illnesses and Chronic Disabilities by Birgit Olzem
2. When we think of accessibility at WordPress events, we often think of physical accommodations. But what about those with invisible illnesses and chronic disabilities?
3. About Birgit Olzem (she/her) • Mom of five kids – grandmother of two • Multi-passionate Entrepreneur • Selfpublishing Book author • Artist and Web Designer • Certified Life-Coach • WordPress Enthusiast since 2003 • Advocate for DEIB and Mental Health
4. Understanding Invisible Illnesses and Chronic Disabilities What are Invisible Illnesses and Chronic Disabilities? How do these Conditions Impact Event Participation? Why Visibility Matters!
5. What are Invisible Illnesses and Chronic Disabilities? Invisible disabilities are not immediately apparent. They include conditions like chronic fatigue, mental health disorders, neurological and autoimmune diseases. They can impact participation just as much as visible disabilities.
6. How do these Conditions Impact Event Participation? Energy Levels: Fluctuating energy and fatigue can limit prolonged engagement. Sensory Sensitivity: Overload from lights or sounds Cognitive Challenges: Issues like anxiety or focus can affect interaction.
7. Why Visibility Matters! Awareness: Increases understanding and empathy, reducing stigma and misconceptions. Inclusion: Ensures tailored accommodations, fostering participation and contribution. Empowerment: Amplifies diverse voices, promoting innovation and community growth.
8. Analogy: WiFi Signal Invisible disabilities are like a WiFi signal. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there and not having a significant impact.
9. Statistics on Invisible Disabilities 1.3 billion people – about 16% of the global population – have a severe disability 1 2% of people with disabilities are wheelchair users but 80% have invisible disabilities! 2 Many of them are active in the WordPress community. 1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health 2. https://www.inclusivecitymaker.com/invisible-disabilities-80-of-disabled-people-are-concerned/
10. Brief overview of the types of invisible health conditions For example: ME/CFS, Long-COVID, CPTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders
11. Types of invisible health conditions (1 of 3) ME/CFS also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Causes extreme fatigue and a range of other debilitating symptoms • not be obvious to others Long-COVID refers to the long-lasting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. • Symptoms can persist for weeks or even months • Affecting the person's ability to function normally
12. Types of invisible health conditions (2 of 3) CPTSD or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder • a condition that develops after experiencing traumatic events • it can lead to various symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulties in regulating emotions ADHD or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder • a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults • causes difficulties in focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
13. Types of invisible health conditions (3 of 3) Autism spectrum disorders also considered invisible illnesses • Neurodevelopmental conditions that affect social interaction, communication skills, and behavior. • Individuals with autism may face challenges in understanding social cues and may have specific interests or repetitive behaviors.
14. Challenges at WordPress Events Embracing the unseen challenges, illuminating the silent strengths, and fostering a community where every story, every journey, is honored and celebrated.
15. Difficulty: Fatigue and Energy Management Invisible condition involved: Chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, etc.
16. Difficulty: Fatigue and Energy Management Virtual Event Accommodation • Record Sessions: Allow attendees to watch sessions at their own pace. • Breaks: Schedule regular breaks between sessions. In-Person Event Accommodation • Rest Areas: Provide quiet, comfortable spaces for attendees to rest. • Flexible Schedule: Offer a mix of shorter and longer sessions with breaks.
17. Difficulty: Cognitive Overload Invisible condition involved: ADHD, autism, PTSD, etc.
18. Difficulty: Cognitive Overload Virtual Event Accommodation • Clear Agendas: Provide clear, concise agendas ahead of time. • Visual Aids: Use visual aids and infographics to simplify complex topics. In-Person Event Accommodation • Quiet Rooms: Offer rooms where attendees can take a break from sensory overload. • Written Materials: Provide written materials or summaries for sessions.
19. Difficulty: Social Anxiety Invisible condition involved: Social anxiety disorder, some autism spectrum disorders, etc.
20. Difficulty: Social Anxiety Virtual Event Accommodation • Chat Options: Allow attendees to participate via chat instead of video. • Anonymous Participation: Allow attendees to use pseudonyms or remain anonymous. In-Person Event Accommodation • Introvert Zones: Designate areas where attendees can network in smaller groups. • Buddy System: Pair up attendees to help them navigate the event.
21. Difficulty: Dietary Restrictions Invisible condition involved: Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, food allergies, etc.
22. Difficulty: Dietary Restrictions Virtual Event Accommodation • Virtual Lunch: If hosting a virtual lunch, share recipes or food ideas that cater to various dietary needs. In-Person Event Accommodation • Menu Options: Offer a diverse menu with clear labels for allergens. • Snack Stations: Provide snack stations with gluten-free, dairy- free, and nut-free options.
23. Difficulty: Pain and Discomfort Invisible condition involved: Endometriosis, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia etc.
24. Difficulty: Pain and Discomfort Virtual Event Accommodation • Comfort Reminders: Remind attendees to adjust their seating, lighting, or take medication. In-Person Event Accommodation • Seating Options: Provide a variety of seating options, including chairs with cushions, standing desks, etc. • Lighting Adjustments: Offer areas with dimmed lighting for those sensitive to bright lights.
25. Difficulty: Medication and Treatment Management Invisible condition involved: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stoma care, mental health disorders requiring medication, etc.
26. Difficulty: Medication / Treatment Management Virtual Event Accommodation • Reminders: Send out general reminders for attendees to take breaks, eat, or take medications. In-Person Event Accommodation • Private Areas: Offer private areas for attendees to administer medication. • Refrigeration: Provide refrigeration options for medications that need it.
27. Creating Inclusive and Accessible WordPress Events Practical strategies for making WordPress events more inclusive and accessible, from planning to execution.
28. Practical strategies for WordPress events (1 of 3) Planning Phase • Surveys & Feedback • Diverse Planning Committee • Venue Selection Communication • Clear Information • Accessibility Features • Contact Point
29. Practical strategies for WordPress events (2 of 3) During the Event (Virtual) • Tech Support • Captioning & Sign Language • Recordings During the Event (In-Person) • Physical Accommodations • Quiet Zones • Food & Drink
30. Practical strategies for WordPress events (3 of 3) Presenters & Speakers • Diverse Voices • Training Post-Event • Feedback • Follow-Up Resources
31. Tips for Attendees and Volunteers • Be patient and understanding • Ask before offering help. • Educate yourself about invisible disabilities. • Promote a culture of inclusivity.
32. Analogy: A Diverse Orchestra Think of the WordPress community as an orchestra. Each member, whether their challenges are visible or not, plays a vital role. Recognizing and accommodating each member is key to a harmonious performance.
33. Universal Benefits of Inclusive WordPress Events Embracing Inclusivity: Where every voice is heard, every experience valued.
34. Accessibility benefits everyone 1. Enhanced Experience and Comfort 2. Diverse Insights and Participation 3. Improved Content Accessibility
35. Thank you! Let‘s connect – find me online @CoachBirgit on social sites / Slack or on my hub site coachbirgit.com Thanks for being a good human!